What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 3:23? At that time • “At that time” roots Moses’ prayer in a precise moment—right after the victories over Sihon and Og that are rehearsed in Deuteronomy 3:1-22. By using the same phrase he has repeated throughout his speech (see Deuteronomy 1:9; 3:18; 4:14), Moses signals, “Pay attention—this is just as real and historical as the battles I’ve cataloged.” • The setting matters: Israel is camped in the plains of Moab, looking across the Jordan at Canaan (Numbers 22:1). The people are poised for success, yet their leader still feels unfinished business with God. • This timing also reminds us that earthly achievements never cancel spiritual longings; even after triumph, Moses knows he must seek the LORD afresh (cf. Psalm 90:17, the prayer of Moses). I also pleaded • “Pleaded” reveals the intensity of Moses’ request; it is the same earnest intercession he showed for Israel in Exodus 32:11-13 and Numbers 11:2. Prayer for others and prayer for self both call for holy boldness. • The little word “also” hints that Moses has spent much of Deuteronomy urging, teaching, and interceding for the nation (Deuteronomy 3:21-22). Now, in addition, he brings his personal desire. God welcomes leaders who pour out personal petitions as freely as corporate ones. • This plea underscores that no amount of lifetime service earns automatic privileges. Even Moses must ask; privilege in God’s kingdom is granted, never presumed (James 4:2b). with the LORD • Moses directs his plea to “the LORD,” the covenant name revealed in Exodus 3:14-15 and celebrated for mercy and justice in Exodus 34:6-7. He knows exactly whom he addresses—a God both approachable and authoritative. • By calling on the LORD, Moses models exclusive allegiance. Victories over pagan kings have not diluted his focus; he prays to the One who truly holds the land in His hand (Deuteronomy 10:14). • The phrase anticipates verses 24-25, where Moses appeals to God’s “greatness and strong hand.” Prayer starts by recognizing the character of the One we approach, then flows into specific requests. summary Deuteronomy 3:23 captures a real moment late in Moses’ life: fresh from military success, he marks the time, pours out a fervent personal plea, and directs it to the covenant LORD. The verse teaches that timing in prayer matters, fervency is welcomed, and requests must be anchored in a relationship with the one true God. Even the greatest servant stands as a petitioner, reminding us that access to blessings—and even to the Promised Land itself—remains entirely in God’s sovereign hands. |
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